The Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA), Government of India hosted a National Workshop on the Right to Repair Framework for the mobile and electronic sectors. The workshop was held in New Delhi on August 29, 2024.
It aimed to forge a consensus among industry stakeholders on essential parameters for assessing repairability indices, promoting longevity in product design, and democratizing repair information to enhance consumer experiences in reusing their mobile and electronic devices.
Addressing Repair and Sustainability Challenges
The Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs, headed crucial discussions during the workshop. She highlighted the detrimental practice of planned obsolescence, where manufacturers withhold essential repair information, such as repair manuals, instructional videos, and spare parts availability. This practice often results in abandoned devices and pushes consumers towards risky alternatives like counterfeit parts from grey markets.
Additionally, she also underscored the issue of exorbitant repair costs, which contribute to consumer dissatisfaction and delayed repairs. She advocated for the establishment of a repairability index, the creation of employment opportunities through the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, and positioning India as a global repair hub.
In his inaugural address, the Additional Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs called for increased consumer awareness and support for local repairers, highlighting the necessity of a robust Right to Repair framework to empower consumers and foster sustainable practices within the technology industry.
Launch of the Right to Repair Portal India
A significant highlight of the workshop was the introduction of the Right to Repair Portal India by the Department of Consumer Affairs. This portal is designed to act as a catalyst in providing relevant repair-related information between consumers and companies. Key features of the portal include:
- Access to Product Manuals and DIY Repair Videos: Linking company websites and YouTube channels to provide step-by-step repair guides.
- Spare Parts Pricing and Warranty Information: Addressing concerns related to the cost and warranty of spare parts.
- Clear Differentiation of Guarantees: Explicitly mentioning the differences between liability-covered guarantees, warranties, and extended warranties.
- Service Centre Details: Listing company service centres across India and recognizing third-party repairers, if applicable.
- Country of Origin Information: Clearly stating the country of origin for products.
As of today, the portal has onboarded over 63 companies, including 23 from the mobile and electronics sectors, providing comprehensive information on repairs, authorized repairers, spare parts sources, and third-party repair services.
Promoting Sustainable Consumption
The workshop underscored the necessity of a repairability index for products to improve consumer access to warranty and repair options, thereby promoting sustainable product design. This initiative aims to empower consumers and support a transition towards mindful utilization and sustainable consumption, aligning with global trends towards environmental responsibility and economic self-reliance.
